Off the Deep End

(LOS ANGELES) A legion of hip hop stars ushered in A Bathing Ape's second U.S. store in style at Wednesday night's opening party hosted by Nigo on Melrose Avenue.

Partygoers including Kanye West, Pete Wentz, Jermaine Dupri, Omarion, Mike Tyson, Jonah Hill, Joel Silver, Robin Thicke, Serena Williams, Dania Ramirez, Takashi Murakami, and even Mike Tyson packed into the 2,500-square-foot futuristic-themed fashion boutique. It boasts halogen neon star décor and a revolving steel shoe carousel, which showcases special edition sneakers available only in L.A. Hovering in a corner, Nigo reflected on city style.

"When we started, we looked more to L.A.," he said. "These days, people in Tokyo are focused on New York, and that reflects back to their appreciation of Tokyo culture. The links between Japan and California are old and strong, though."

"I am very proud of Nigo and all that he has accomplished in this country," toasted a Louis Vuitton-clad Murakami of his friend. "He is huge in America!"

Although Nicole Richie turned heads wearing a demure vintage dress and Christian Louboutin heels, the new mom kept a low profile. "I'm just here to support the line," she commented politely, refusing to leave fiancé Madden's side. Not far off, Bape collaborator Pharrell made his rounds in The Billionaire Boys Club apparel. "It's about time we got a store in LA!" he said before dashing back to work in the studio.

Nigo's visit to Los Angeles wasn't strictly business. "I like the Eames House," said the admirer of architect Charles Eames. "And I would've loved to have seen Andy Warhol in my clothes."

And much to West's amazement, Nigo added that he's also done collaborating--for now.

"I am really not so into collaborations anymore," he offered before revealing that he's working on a book with Rizzoli due out this fall chronicling his brand's 15-year history. "It has just become a standard way of creating--it used to be a nice surprise."
JENNIFER CHAN